'Voices of Hope' dinner, music event a benefit for Berkshire United Way

Posted
Thursday, November 29, 2012 9:59 am

By Clarence Fanto, Special to The Eagle

LENOX -- A major fund raiser for the Berkshire United Way is set for the historic Seven Hills Inn this Saturday evening with a sit-down gourmet dinner, live entertainment, dancing and a luxury-item auction. The event is co-sponsored by the inn, owned by Robin Gerson Wong, and the Lenox Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets for the "Voices of Hope" event, which runs from 5 to 11:30 p.m., are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. As of Tuesday afternoon, Wong said, about 30 seats remain out of a capacity of 160.

Musical performers include Deborah Grausman of New York City and Stockbridge, a veteran of musicals such as last year's "Fiddler on the Roof" road show and a voice-over artist; harpist Linda Green, and the Dickens Carolers from the upcoming annual Berkshire Theatre Group production of "A Christmas Carol."

Most of the proceeds are earmarked for the Berkshire United Way, with a minimal percentage set aside to cover the Chamber's expenses.

Berkshire United Way, established in 1924, funds 41 programs aiding children and families in 26 county communities, impacting more than 19,000 people, according to the Lenox Chamber. The evening includes a silent as well as a live luxury auction.

Among the items up for grabs to the highest bidder are a one-week vacation at the Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, a day at Canyon Ranch Spa, a Cranwell Resort Spa package, a two-night rest-and-relaxation package at Kripalu, summer-season passes to Barrington Stage in Pittsfield, Shed tickets at Tanglewood, and a pair of coach-club seats on the 50-yard line to a New York Jets football game in the fall of 2013 valued at $1,600.

Other items to be auctioned include trinkets from Tiffany's, dinner for two at Wheatleigh, luncheon for four at Blantyre, a three-night stay at the Seven Hills Manor House, a lunch date for four and tour of the State House in Boston with Rep. William "Smitty" Pigna telli, and tickets to Shakes peare & Company, the Berkshire Theatre Group and the Berkshire Inter national Film Festival.

To reach Clarence Fanto:cfanto@yahoo.com,
or (413) 637-2551.
On Twitter: @BE_cfanto.

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